Here's why people are mad about Morgan Freeman's 'Nutcracker' role

For the past few years, Disney has been making a pointed — and welcome — effort to diversify its blockbuster realms, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a certain far, far away galaxy to wondrous planets that are only a tesser(act) away. The studio is following the same playbook with its upcoming holiday spectacle, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, a star-studded adaptation of the beloved 19th century ballet that’s clearly intended to launch a new franchise. The latest trailer (watch below) for the film, which arrives in theaters on Nov. 2, bowed online today and garnered a number of positive reactions on social media for its lavish winter-wonderland visuals and evocative score, including an emo cover of the No Doubt tune “Just a Girl.”

But a chill wind blew from some quarters of the internet with regard to the presence of Morgan Freeman, who plays Drosselmeyer — the toymaker who gifts the story’s young heroine, Clara (played in the film by Twilight star Mackenzie Foy), with the titular nutcracking device. A small number of commentators specifically objected to the Oscar winner’s role as a case of diversity being prioritized over authenticity — an interpretation that conveniently overlooks the numerous multicultural productions of the ballet that have been mounted over the years, not to mention the fact that the plot involves a trip to magical world populated by such diverse citizens as sweet-hearted fairies and militant mice. “It always bothers me that they add diversity in old European classics. It doesn’t make sense and ruins the vibe,” wrote one YouTuber.

The pushback against those sentiments was as swift and strong as you might expect.

If you can’t wrap your mind around Morgan Freeman playing Herr Drosselmeyer because he’s black and Clara is white, but are a-okay with living toys, sugar plum fairies, and magic realms, something tells me suspension of disbelief isn’t your actual problem. 🙃 #DisneysNutcracker

Disney releasing a Nutcracker movie with Morgan Freeman, man recently accused of sexual harassment by 8 women, but James Gunn made some shitty tweets and he gets fired. Seems fair. https://t.co/JY0KFmwPEj

In the wake of the Gunn case as well Roseanne Barr’s public firing from the Disney-owned ABC network, all the Mouse House must want for Christmas is a no-drama box-office hit. With Freeman in the mix, it doesn’t look like The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is necessarily going to be that gift.

[Editor’s Note: This story was updated Aug. 10 at 1:20 p.m to remove since-deleted YouTube comments.]